just picked up a 2019 ATB LWB.

Original owner said he disabled them, and I can't get them working. On the main touchscreen, there is a deployable steps menu item. I press the power icon and it briefly switches to the next screen, that shows the roof access, and, off road options, as if they are on, then goes back to the menu with just the deployable steps power on button.

Is it likely that both motors are froze up, or is it possible the control module is toast?

How do I figure out what's broken?

Can you open up the motors and lube them? 2023 L460 Range Rover SE P400
2019 L405 Range Rover ATB LWB

You first need to scan the car for DTC’s with a tool such as the GAP iiD G4 tool, otherwise you might replace parts unneccessarily.
It’s unlikely both motors would fail together, it’s more usual for the brackets to seize up especially if unused for a while, so it’s worth having a go with plenty penetrating lubricant, -once you have determined the module is functional. Electrical plugs can corrode under there also.
A step-by-step approach is needed.  V6 Vogue - “Less is More” - less to go wrong!

I’ll spray the heck out of the shafts with some silicone spray tonight.

How do I test if I’m getting a signal at the motor? Is there a pin diagram?

I can’t even get them to turn on from off position. Electrical issue seems likely. 2023 L460 Range Rover SE P400
2019 L405 Range Rover ATB LWB

You really need to scan for error codes first, no point in lubing up if there is a system fault/no power, the steps won’t even try to move. Usually, if its just sticky hinges, the steps “twitch” a little then stop.

On the code reader, you’ll get a DSCM error with a message something like “too many pulses” IIRC.

There’s a WM above in the Wiki (WM = Workshop Manual).

Nobody got my pun above yet?  V6 Vogue - “Less is More” - less to go wrong!

Last edited by Gremlin500 on 2nd Jun 2025 4:21pm. Edited 1 time in total

Yeah, the motors and steps are clean as a whistle. No rust or corrosion. Florida vehicle.

I only have a generic elm 327 scanner. Have not ponied up for gap iid yet. Will see if it finds anything generic related to the function of the steps. 2023 L460 Range Rover SE P400
2019 L405 Range Rover ATB LWB

Help me play this out please.

The more I think on this, it seems likely an electrical connector issue at one or both motors as I would guess that over the last 6 years, water splashing them has not been ideal.

What would my next steps (see what I did here?) be? I guess I would need to squeeze in and get to the bolts on the front and rear with a jack or two supporting it as I will be doing this work solo.

Then slowly lift it down an inch or two so I can unplug it and inspect the connectors.

If they are corroded, I guess I can spray something in the motor female connector and on the male connector? I would GUESS the issue would be on the motor female connector, again just a guess. Which would require taking the motor apart and testing resistance?

Or have you seen that a plug that has had water intrusion has shorted out the controller box in the trunk?

Let me know your thoughts, and thx again. 2023 L460 Range Rover SE P400
2019 L405 Range Rover ATB LWB

This is not the way to go, the diagnostics provided by the manufacturer and by GAP are there for a reason. If you try to guess what might be wrong, such as by opening up old connectors which might just still be watertight until you plug them in again after finding no apparent issue, you run the risk of then introducing further faults. Take it to a qualified auto electrician, and pay for an hour or two of proper investigation is my advice, you will save money in the long run.

Why not also ask the previous owner what circumstances led to him “disabling” the steps, and what exactly did he do to disable them? Could it be something really simple, like a fuse, did you check that? V6 Vogue - “Less is More” - less to go wrong!

Previous owner, original owner said he turned them off because it was hitting his shins and he’s 6’4”. I have no reason not to believe him. They just don’t turn back on.

Will check fuse. 2023 L460 Range Rover SE P400
2019 L405 Range Rover ATB LWB

See attached, the module is in the rear boot (trunk/luggage space) left hand area maybe item 2 is unplugged? (page 7) or the fuse is removed in fuse junction box in rear space (right hand side panel).

https://www.fullfatrr.com/gallery/albums/u...eSteps.pdf



https://www.ownerinfo.landrover.com/docume...8/G2937262 2018 SE SDV8 4.4 Byron Blue

Take one of the steps off, only 4 bolts from the underside. Then see if the front hinge moves free. That may give you an indication of the issue 2018 4.4 TDV8

noone wrote:

Previous owner, original owner said he turned them off because it was hitting his shins

That is hard to believe, -on approaching the car surely you’re expecting the steps to deploy so you can get in?
And his private parts would have to be just about touching the door, in order to get a whack on the shins? It sounds like a lame excuse to me, maybe he knew the steps were fubarred so he disabled them to sell it?  V6 Vogue - “Less is More” - less to go wrong!

Actually its not difficult to smash your chins, I park in a off road forest car park when taking the dog on walks, that is very uneven, and sometimes when I come back the steps do not deploy until I reach in and press the ignition button I am then, with door open, in danger  2018 SE SDV8 4.4 Byron Blue

RRYorks wrote:

Take one of the steps off, only 4 bolts from the underside. Then see if the front hinge moves free. That may give you an indication of the issue

You can take the step off when it's deployed or not. It's just four allen bolts, two on each step. From there you can see if the front hinge is stiff, and then you can remove the back hinge and motor together as one. 2017 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography in black
2018 D300 SE Velar in champagne
1982 Rolls Royce Silver Spirit in green

My factory steps are tucked into the molding. About 3/8” gap. I could not get it off the track high enough.l to clear the molding. 2023 L460 Range Rover SE P400
2019 L405 Range Rover ATB LWB